Target systems for axe-throwing

ABSTRACT

Target systems for axe-throwing. The target systems include a plate, a target member, and a coupling strap. The target member is coupled to the plate. The target member includes an inner face abutting the plate and an outer face opposite the inner face. The outer face displays an arrangement of scoring regions. The coupling strap is coupled to the plate and configured to selectively secure to a support. In some examples, the target system includes a second coupling strap, a circumferential strap, and/or an annular shield. In some examples a container system for transporting the target system is provided.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to copending U.S. Application, Serial No. 63/317,579, filed on Mar. 08, 2022, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to target systems. In particular, target systems for axe-throwing activities are descnbed.

Axe-throwing is a popular recreational activity. Similar to darts, axe-throwing activities involve throwing a small axe at a target with the goal of embedding the axe blade in a defined scoring region of a target member.

Known target systems are not entirely satisfactory. For example, existing target systems are often large and fixed in location. The fixed location is often in an axe-throwing facility, which typically charges a fee for admission. The large and cumbersome nature of existing target systems means most individuals do not possess one. Target systems owned by individuals tend to be stationary and semi-permanently installed rather than portable.

Conventional target systems often have a wood target that doesn’t hold up well over time. It is more difficult to successfully embed an axe in a degraded wood target. The type of wood selected and the portion of lumber selected for conventional wood targets often does not have an ideal grain structure. Conventional target systems are prone to the grain of the wood target expanding over time and with use, which reduces the life of the targets and makes it more difficult to embed axes in the target.

Using conventional target systems typically requires a permanent installation and fixed utilities. For example, most conventional target systems are incorporated into a fixed structure, such as a frame or mounted to a wall of a building. House lights are used to illuminate the target system. Fixed attributes like structures and utilities needed for conventional target systems causes conventional target systems to be stationary rather than well suited to moving to different locations, such as on camping trips or to social gatherings.

It would be desirable to provide a target system for axe-throwing activities that was widely accessible and portable. It would promote more widespread adoption and enjoyment if a target system could be easily transported and secured to a readily available support and used most anywhere. Further, it would be beneficial if a container system existed for axe-throwing target systems that facilitated transporting the target system.

Thus, there exists a need for target systems that improve upon and advance the design of known target systems. Examples of new and useful target systems relevant to the needs existing in the field are discussed below.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to target systems for axe-throwing. The target systems include a plate, a target member, and a coupling strap. The target member is coupled to the plate. The target member includes an inner face abutting the plate and an outer face opposite the inner face. The outer face displays an arrangement of scoring regions. The coupling strap is coupled to the plate and configured to selectively secure to a support. In some examples, the target system includes a second coupling strap, a circumferential strap, and/or an annular shield. In some examples a container system for transporting the target system is provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a target system secured to a tree with a person throwing an axe at the target system.

FIG. 2 is a left side perspective view of the target system shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a rear elevation view of the target system shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the target system shown in FIG. 1 with a plate separated from a target member to reveal a second arrangement of scoring regions on an inner face of the target member.

FIG. 5 is left side perspective view of an alternative target system with a protective cover removed to depict a compression strap disposed in a channel defined in the circumference of the target member.

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of a container system for the target system shown in FIG. 1 with a lid pivoted open to depict the target system stored in a container.

FIG. 7 is a bottom elevation view of the container system shown in FIG. 6 depicting shoulder straps coupled to the container and a chalk board mounted to the container.

FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of the container system shown in FIG. 5 with the lid of the container system pivoted partially open to form an A-frame structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosed target systems will become better understood through review of the following detailed description in conjunction with the figures. The detailed description and figures provide merely examples of the various inventions described herein. Those skilled in the art will understand that the disclosed examples may be varied, modified, and altered without departing from the scope of the inventions described herein. Many variations are contemplated for different applications and design considerations; however, for the sake of brevity, each and every contemplated variation is not individually described in the following detailed description.

Throughout the following detailed description, examples of various target systems are provided. Related features in the examples may be identical, similar, or dissimilar in different examples. For the sake of brevity, related features will not be redundantly explained in each example. Instead, the use of related feature names will cue the reader that the feature with a related feature name may be similar to the related feature in an example explained previously. Features specific to a given example will be described in that particular example. The reader should understand that a given feature need not be the same or similar to the specific portrayal of a related feature in any given figure or example.

Definitions

The following definitions apply herein, unless otherwise indicated.

“Substantially” means to be more-or-less conforming to the particular dimension, range, shape, concept, or other aspect modified by the term, such that a feature or component need not conform exactly. For example, a “substantially cylindrical” object means that the object resembles a cylinder, but may have one or more deviations from a true cylinder.

“Comprising,” “including,” and “having” (and conjugations thereof) are used interchangeably to mean including but not necessarily limited to, and are open-ended terms not intended to exclude additional elements or method steps not expressly recited.

Terms such as “first”, “second”, and “third” are used to distinguish or identify various members of a group, or the like, and are not intended to denote a senal, chronological, or numerical limitation.

“Coupled” means connected, either permanently or releasably, whether directly or indirectly through intervening components.

Target Systems for Axe-Throwing

With reference to the figures, target systems for axe-throwing will now be described. The target systems discussed herein function to selectively couple to a support and to provide a target for a thrown axe.

The reader will appreciate from the figures and description below that the presently disclosed target systems address many of the shortcomings of conventional target systems. For example, the novel target systems described below are relatively small and portable. One can own or use the novel target systems described herein outside of axe-throwing facilities and can thus avoid axe-throwing facility admission fees.

The novel target systems described in this document are relatively small and convenient to transport and use. The novel target systems can be manufactured inexpensively to enable more individuals to own them than is possible with conventional target systems.

The novel target systems described herein utilize a wood target that holds up well over time and enables axes to embed within the wood target reliably. The type of wood selected and the portion of lumber selected for the novel target systems herein has an ideal grain structure for axe-throwing mechanics. The novel target systems discussed below compress the grains of the wood target to avoid them expanding over time and with use, which increases the life of the target systems and makes it easier to embed axes in the target.

The novel target systems below do not require a permanent installation or fixed utilities, such as house lights. Consequently, the novel target systems herein are well suited to moving to different locations, such as on camping trips or to social gatherings.

The novel target systems for axe-throwing activities described herein can be made widely accessible and portable. More widespread adoption and enjoyment of axe-throwing activities is made possible by the novel target systems herein because they can be easily transported and secured to many readily available supports and used most anywhere. A novel container system configured for the axe-throwing target systems facilitates transporting the target systems.

Contextual Details

Ancillary features relevant to the target systems described herein will first be described to provide context and to aid the discussion of the target systems.

Support

The target systems described herein are often secured to supports. The support may be any currently known or later developed type of support. A variety of support types exist and could be used in place of the support shown in the figures. In addition to the types of supports existing currently, it is contemplated that the target systems described herein could be used with new types of supports developed in the future.

FIG. 1 depicts one example of a support, support 104 in the form of a tree. However, the support may be any vertically extending member, horizontally extending member, frame, wall, or other body that can support the target system.

The size and shape of the support may be varied as needed for a given application. In some examples, the support is larger relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. In other examples, the support is smaller relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. Further, the reader should understand that the support and the other components may all be larger or smaller than described herein while maintaining their relative proportions.

Target System Embodiment One

With reference to FIGS. 1-4 , a target system 100 will now be described as a first example of a target system. The reader can see in FIG. 1 that target system 100 is for axe-throwing recreational activities, including practicing axe-throwing and axe-throwing competitions.

As depicted in FIGS. 1-4 , target system 100 includes a plate 101, a target member 102, a first coupling strap 103, a second coupling strap 109, a circumferential strap 120, and an annular shield 122. In other examples, the target system includes fewer components than depicted in the figures. In certain examples, the target system includes additional or alternative components than depicted in the figures.

For example, FIGS. 1, and 6-8 depict a container system 170 for target system 100. Container system 170 is described in the Container System section below.

The size and shape of the target system may be varied as needed for a given application. In some examples, the target system is larger relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. In other examples, the target system is smaller relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. Further, the reader should understand that the target system and the other components may all be larger or smaller than described herein while maintaining their relative proportions.

Plate

Plate 101 functions to support components of target system 100, including first coupling strap 103, second coupling strap 109, circumferential strap 120, and annular shield 122. The reader can see in FIGS. 2-4 that plate 101 is coupled to target member 102.

The size and shape of the plate may be varied as needed for a given application. In some examples, the plate is larger relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. In other examples, the plate is smaller relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. Further, the reader should understand that the plate and the other components may all be larger or smaller than described herein while maintaining their relative proportions.

In the present example, the plate is composed of metal. However, the plate may be composed of any currently known or later developed material suitable for the applications described herein for which it is used. Suitable materials include metals, polymers, ceramics, wood, and composite materials.

With reference to FIGS. 2-4 , plate 101 defines coupling ports 117 extending through plate 101. The coupling ports cooperate with the coupling straps to support the plate on the coupling straps. The reader can see in FIG. 4 that coupling ports 117 are laterally spaced.

As depicted in FIG. 4 , coupling ports 117 include a medial port 112 and a peripheral port 114. With reference to FIG. 4 , medial port 112 is defined in a medial portion of plate 101. As depicted in FIG. 4 , medial port 112 is fully bounded.

As shown in FIG. 4 , peripheral port 114 is defined proximate a periphery of plate 101. The reader can see in FIG. 4 that peripheral port 114 is open-ended. With reference to FIG. 4 , peripheral port 114 extends to the periphery of plate 101 and is open to the periphery of plate 101.

The size and shape of the coupling ports may be varied as needed for a given application. In some examples, the coupling ports is larger relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. In other examples, the coupling ports is smaller relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. Further, the reader should understand that the coupling ports and the other components may all be larger or smaller than described herein while maintaining their relative proportions.

As shown in FIG. 4 , plate 101 includes eight coupling ports 117. However, the number of coupling ports in the target system may be selected to meet the needs of a given application. The reader should appreciate that the number of coupling ports may be different in other examples than is shown in the figures. For instance, some target system examples include additional or fewer coupling ports than described in the present example.

As shown in FIGS. 2-4 , plate 101 defines a keyhole slot 119 configured to receive and hang from a hanging member The size and shape of the keyhole slot may be varied as needed for a given application. In some examples, the keyhole slot is larger relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. In other examples, the keyhole slot is smaller relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. Further, the reader should understand that the keyhole slot and the other components may all be larger or smaller than described herein while maintaining their relative proportions.

The number of keyhole slots in the target system may be selected to meet the needs of a given application. The reader should appreciate that the number of keyhole slots may be different in other examples than is shown in the figures. For instance, some target system examples include additional or fewer keyhole slots than described in the present example.

Target Member

Target member 102 functions to display scoring arrangements and to receive axes thrown at it. When the blade of an axe strikes target member 102 on edge, the axe blade embeds in target member 102 and remains fixed in target member 102 until selectively removed.

The reader can see in FIGS. 2-4 that target member 102 is coupled to plate 101. In the present example, target member 102 is coupled to plate 101 with mechanical fasteners.

The mechanical fasteners may be any currently known or later developed type of mechanical fasteners. A variety of mechanical fasteners types exist and could be used in place of the mechanical fasteners shown in the figures. In addition to the types of mechanical fasteners existing currently, it is contemplated that the target systems described herein could incorporate new types of mechanical fasteners developed in the future.

The number of mechanical fasteners in the target system may be selected to meet the needs of a given application. The reader should appreciate that the number of mechanical fasteners may vary different in different examples.

As shown in FIGS. 2-4 , target member 102 and plate 101 are the same shape and similar in size. With reference to FIG. 3 , target member 102 covers plate 101 entirely. As depicted in FIGS. 2-4 , target member 102 covers coupling ports 117 to protect first coupling strap 103 and second coupling strap 109 from axes thrown at target member 102.

The size and shape of the target member may be varied as needed for a given application. In some examples, the target member is larger relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. In other examples, the target member is smaller relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. Further, the reader should understand that the target member and the other components may all be larger or smaller than described herein while maintaining their relative proportions.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4 , target member 102 includes an inner face 105 abutting plate 101 and an outer face 106 opposite inner face 105. As shown in FIG. 1 , outer face 106 displays an arrangement of scoring regions 107. The reader can see in FIG. 4 that inner face 105 displays a second arrangement of scoring regions 116.

As depicted in FIG. 4 , target member 102 is configured to be selectively reversed with outer face 106 abutting plate 101 to outwardly present second arrangement of scoring regions 116 on inner face 105. By selectively rotating target member 102 to have a different major face abutting plate 101, the user can change which scoring arrangement is facing away from plate 101 and towards the user. In this manner, the user can selectively change the scoring arrangement presented to him or her when throwing axes at target member 102.

The target member may be any currently known or later developed type of target member. A variety of target member types exist and could be used in place of the target member shown in the figures. In addition to the types of target members existing currently, it is contemplated that the target systems described herein could incorporate new types of target members developed in the future.

In the present example, the target member is composed of Douglas Fir end-grain wood. However, the target member may be composed of any currently known or later developed material suitable for axe-throwing target applications. Suitable materials include polymers, straw, wood, cardboard, and composite materials.

Coupling Straps

The coupling straps function to couple target system 100 to a support, such as support 104 in the form of a tree depicted in FIG. 1 . As depicted in FIGS. 1-3 , first coupling strap 103 is coupled to plate 101 and configured to selectively secure to a support 104. Similarly, the reader can see in FIGS. 1-3 that second coupling strap 109 is coupled to plate 101 and configured to selectively secure to support 104. As depicted in FIGS. 1-3 , second coupling strap 109 couples to plate 101 in a position vertically spaced from where first coupling strap 103 couples to plate 101.

The reader can see in FIGS. 2 and 3 that first coupling strap 103 weaves through coupling ports 117 to couple to plate 101. Similarly, second coupling strap 109 weaves through the coupling ports 117 disposed below the coupling ports through which first coupling strap 103 weaves.

With reference to FIGS. 1-3 , first coupling strap 103 and second coupling strap 109 are compression straps. As shown in FIGS. 1-3 , first coupling strap 103 includes a ratchet mechanism 108 configured to compress first coupling strap 103. As shown in FIGS. 1-3 , second coupling strap 109 includes a second ratchet mechanism 111 configured to compress second coupling strap 109.

The coupling straps may be any currently known or later developed type of coupling strap. A variety of coupling strap types exist and could be used in place of the coupling straps shown in the figures. In addition to the types of coupling straps existing currently, it is contemplated that the target systems described herein could incorporate new types of coupling straps developed in the future.

The number of coupling straps in the target system may be selected to meet the needs of a given application. The reader should appreciate that the number of coupling straps may be different in other examples than is shown in the figures. For instance, some target system examples include additional or fewer coupling straps than described in the present example.

The size and shape of the coupling straps may be varied as needed for a given application. In some examples, the coupling straps are larger relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. In other examples, the coupling straps are smaller relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. Further, the reader should understand that the coupling straps and the other components may all be larger or smaller than described herein while maintaining their relative proportions.

In the present example, the coupling straps are composed of polyester webbing. However, the coupling straps may be composed of any currently known or later developed material suitable for compression strap applications. Suitable materials include polymers, cordage, and composite materials.

Ratchet Mechanisms

The ratchet mechanisms may be any currently known or later developed type of ratchet mechanism. A variety of ratchet mechanism types exist and could be used in place of the ratchet mechanisms shown in the figures. In addition to the types of ratchet mechanisms existing currently, it is contemplated that the target systems described herein could incorporate new types of ratchet mechanisms developed in the future.

The number of ratchet mechanisms in the target system may be selected to meet the needs of a given application. The reader should appreciate that the number of ratchet mechanisms may be different in other examples than is shown in the figures. For instance, some target system examples include additional or fewer ratchet mechanisms than described in the present example.

The size and shape of the ratchet mechanisms may be varied as needed for a given application. In some examples, the ratchet mechanisms are larger relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. In other examples, the ratchet mechanisms are smaller relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. Further, the reader should understand that the ratchet mechanisms and the other components may all be larger or smaller than described herein while maintaining their relative proportions.

Circumferential Strap

With reference to FIGS. 2-4 , circumferential strap 120 is configured to compress target member 102. As shown in FIGS. 2-4 , circumferential strap 120 is a compression strap and includes a third ratchet mechanism 121. As depicted in FIGS. 2-4 , circumferential strap 120 is disposed around a circumference of target member 102.

In the present example, circumferential strap 120 is composed of nylon. However, the circumferential strap may be composed of any currently known or later developed material suitable for compression applications. Suitable materials include polymers, cordage, and composite materials.

Annular Shield

Annular shield 122 functions to block circumferential strap 120 from axes thrown at target member 102. The reader can see in FIGS. 1-4 that annular shield 122 is mounted to target member 102 proximate the circumference of target member 102. Annular shield 122 is thus in a position to block circumferential strap 120 from axes thrown at target member 102.

The size and shape of the annular shield may be varied as needed for a given application. In some examples, the annular shield is larger relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. In other examples, the annular shield is smaller relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. Further, the reader should understand that the annular shield and the other components may all be larger or smaller than described herein while maintaining their relative proportions.

In the present example, the annular shield is composed of rubber repurposed from a tire. However, the annular shield may be composed of any currently known or later developed material suitable for shielding or covering applications. Suitable materials include metals, polymers, ceramics, wood, and composite materials.

Additional Embodiments

With reference to the figures not yet discussed in detail, the discussion will now focus on additional target system embodiments. The additional embodiments include many similar or identical features to target system 100. Thus, for the sake of brevity, each feature of the additional embodiments below will not be redundantly explained. Rather, key distinctions between the additional embodiments and target system 100 will be described in detail and the reader should reference the discussion above for features substantially similar between the different target system examples.

Target System Embodiment Two

Turning attention to FIG. 5 , a target system 200 will now be described as a second example of a target system. As can be seen in FIG. 5 . target system 200 includes a plate 201, a target member 202, a first coupling strap 203, a second coupling strap 209, and a circumferential strap 220.

In contrast to target system 100, target system 200 does not include an annular shield mounted to target member 202. In target system 200, circumferential strap 220 is shielded from axes thrown at target member 202 by a channel 260 formed in target member 202. The reader can see in FIG. 5 that channel 260 is formed along the circumference of target member 202. Circumferential strap 220 is disposed in channel 260 around target member 202.

In some examples, the target system includes a protective cover disposed over the channel to protect the circumferential strap disposed in the channel. The protective cover may be formed of any suitable durable material, such as rubber reclaimed from a tire.

Container System

With reference to FIGS. 1, and 6-8 , container system 170 for target system 100 will now be described. Container system 170 functions to facilitate storing and transporting target system 100. As shown in in FIG. 6 , container system 170 also functions to store and transport accessories used with target system 100, such as a axes 171, a lamp 172, and chalk 173.

As shown in FIGS. 1, and 6-8 , container system 170 includes a container 174, a lid 175, and shoulder straps 176. In other examples, the container system includes fewer components than depicted in the figures. In certain examples, the container system includes additional or alternative components than depicted in the figures.

Container 174 is complementarily configured with target system 100 to receive target system 100. As shown in FIG. 7 , container 174 includes a chalk board 177 on an outer face to facilitate marking axe-throwing scores. As further shown in FIG. 7 , container 174 includes rings 179 providing mounting points for shoulder straps 176. A user can selectively unclip or move shoulder straps 176 to provide more access and visibility to chalk board 177.

The reader can see in FIG. 6 that container 174 defines notches 180. Notches 180 are complementarily configured with a handle 181 of lamp 172 to receive handle 181. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , handle 181 of lamp 172 serves as a handle of container system 170 when handle 181 extends through notches 180.

Lid 175 is pivotally mounted to container 174 and selectively covers and reveals the interior of container 174 when pivoted relative to container 174. As shown in FIG. 8 , lid 175 and container 174 cooperate to form an A-frame structure. In the A-frame structure configuration, chalk board 177 is oriented to be conveniently seen and marked upon.

Shoulder straps 176 facilitate carrying container system 170 to different locations. As shown in FIG. 7 , shoulder straps 176 include clips 178 to selectively couple to rings 179 of container 174. The shoulder straps may be any currently known or later developed style of shoulder strap.

The disclosure above encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in a particular form, the specific embodiments disclosed and illustrated above are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed above and inherent to those skilled in the art pertaining to such inventions. Where the disclosure or subsequently filed claims recite “a” element, “a first” element, or any such equivalent term, the disclosure or claims should be understood to incorporate one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.

Applicant(s) reserves the right to submit claims directed to combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed inventions that are believed to be novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of those claims or presentation of new claims in the present application or in a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to the same invention or a different invention and whether they are different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are to be considered within the subject matter of the inventions described herein. 

1. A target system for axe-throwing, comprising: a plate; a target member coupled to the plate; and a coupling strap coupled to the plate and configured to selectively secure to a support; wherein the target member includes an inner face abutting the plate and an outer face opposite the inner face; wherein the outer face displays an arrangement of scoring regions.
 2. The target system of claim 1, wherein the coupling strap is a compression strap.
 3. The target system of claim 2, wherein the coupling strap includes a ratchet mechanism configured to compress the coupling strap.
 4. The target system of claim 1, further comprising a second coupling strap coupled to the plate and configured to selectively secure to the support.
 5. The target system of claim 4, wherein the second coupling strap couples to the plate in a position vertically spaced from where the coupling strap couples to the plate.
 6. The target system of claim 4, wherein the second coupling strap is a compression strap.
 7. The target system of claim 6, wherein the second coupling strap includes a second ratchet mechanism.
 8. The target system of claim 1, wherein: the plate defines coupling ports extending through the plate; and the coupling strap weaves through the coupling ports to couple to the plate.
 9. The target system of claim 8, wherein the coupling ports are laterally spaced.
 10. The target system of claim 9, wherein the coupling ports include: a medial port defined in a medial portion of the plate; and a peripheral port defined proximate a periphery of the plate.
 11. The target system of claim 10, wherein the target member covers the coupling ports to protect the strap from axes thrown at the target member.
 12. The target system of claim 10, wherein: the medial port is fully bounded; and the peripheral port is open-ended.
 13. The target system of claim 12, wherein the peripheral port extends to the periphery of the plate and is open to the periphery of the plate.
 14. The target system of claim 1, wherein the target member covers the plate entirely.
 15. The target system of claim 1, wherein: the target system further comprises a circumferential strap disposed around a circumference of the target member; the circumferential strap is a compression strap and includes a third ratchet mechanism: and the circumferential strap is configured to compress the target member.
 16. The target system of claim 15, further comprising an annular shield mounted to the target member proximate the circumference of the target member in a position to block the circumferential strap from axes thrown at the target member.
 17. The target system of claim 1, wherein the plate defines a keyhole slot configured to receive and hang from a hanging member.
 18. The target system of claim 1, wherein the target member is comprised of end-grain wood.
 19. The target system of claim 18, wherein the end-grain wood derives from a Douglas Fir tree.
 20. The target system of claim 1, wherein the inner face displays a second arrangement of scoring regions and the target member is configured to be selectively reversed with the outer face abutting the plate to outwardly present the second arrangement of scoring regions on the inner face. 